Robert H. Shellard

1929 - 2021

Robert H. Shellard, Retired SFC of Vernon, passed away peacefully with his children by his side on Jan. 2, 2021. He is together again with his sweet wife Nancy, of 67 years, who recently passed away in August.

Bob was born on June 6, 1929, to Albert and Eva Shellard in New Haven, and was raised in England. At the age of 18, Bob returned to Connecticut and soon met and married his "Boots", the love of his life, on March 14, 1953. Bob joined the army and proudly served in the Korean War. He also joined, and then later retired from, the Connecticut National Guard. Bob retired from Northeast Utilities where he had worked as a graphic artist for 30 years. Bob, AKA, "Mr. Patches,', was a longtime member of the Greater Hartford Clowns of America, where he won many awards at National Clown Conventions for his portrayal of a shy, hobo-style clown. During his silent skits, he could tell quite a story and make any child, or adult, smile! Bob also loved art and was a member of the Tolland County Art Association. He also was an avid fisherman and belonged to the Connecticut Fly Fisherman's Association. Bob was a member of the American Legion and also the Sherlock Holmes Society. Over the years, Bob loved camping and traveling with his family. He always looked forward to going on his famous 'Pork Pie Safaris'. Bob's children were his 'Pride and Joy' and they will forever miss his silly sense of humor and his love of telling stories of growing up in England.

He leaves to fill his big clown shoes, Steven Shellard of Vernon, David Shellard (Jessica) of Tampa, Florida, Pamela Green (Robert) of Henderson, Nevada, and Laura Mikolajczak (Joseph) of Westerly, Rhode Island; and daughter-in-law Beth Brown Shellard of Attleboro, Massachusetts. Bob also leaves his lifelong friend, Paul Lachlan Peck of California. Bob will be missed by his loving grandchildren, Julie Marino (Tony), Brian Green, Jenna Shellard, Jordan Green (Britta), Alyssa Shellard, Cole Chiaradio, Brayden Chiaradio, Emma Shellard and Andrew Shellard. Bob will join his wife, Nancy to forever watch over his great-grandchildren, Carter and Cameron Marino and Aiden Shellard. Besides his wife Nancy, Bob was predeceased by his sister, Margaret Venanzi.

The family would like to thank the Vernon Visiting Nurses and Hospice for the compassion and care they gave to them and their father during this time.

A service will be held with military honors at 11 a.m. on March 13, at the State Veterans Cemetery in Middletown.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Lilly Lights the Way Organizations, P.O. Box 374, Attleboro, Ma 02703 or Shriners Hospitals, 2900 Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, Fl 33607.

For online condolences, please visit

www.pietrasfuneralhome.com